Tag: human-seal interaction

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Monk seal fisheries interactions

Recent Publications

González, Luis Mariano and de Larrinoa, Pablo Fernández. 2012. Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus distribution and fisheries interactions in the Atlantic Sahara during the second half of the 20th century: 1-9. DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2012-0046, October 2012. [Online purchase €30 / $42]

Abstract

The most important surviving colony of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) inhabits the Atlantic Saharan coast. The population has not recovered despite the cessation of commercial sealing in the second half of the 20th century. We report the distribution of the monk seals within the region from 1940 to 1989 and their interactions with fisheries, from data gathered through interviews of fishermen. Our study shows a notable decrease in the seals’ range during the study period. Observations of seals on open beaches and exposed rocks decreased, while observations in caves increased. Important negative interactions between monk seals and fisheries were detected, with the most frequent interactions being bycatch in gillnets and bottom trawl nets. Reports obtained from fishermen clearly indicate that the seals were still being deliberately killed on land during the 20th century, which likely caused the extirpation of seal populations hauling out on beaches. We recommend that mortality due to fishery bycatch be added as a contributing factor to the decline of the monk seal populations in the region from 1940 to 1989. We also recommend conservation measures such as the establishment of a permanent marine reserve along the Atlantic Coast of the Cap Blanc Peninsula.

Keywords: Atlantic Sahara; distribution; endangered species; Mediterranean monk seal; seal-fishery interactions.

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Man slapped with $1000 fine for monk seal harrassment

Media Watch, KITV, 15 June 2012

An Oahu man was sentenced to a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service in Kaneohe District Court after being cited by Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers for illegally landing on Manana island.

Manana is also known as Rabbit island.  It is a wildlife sanctuary that is closed to the public at all times.

Seals are protected under state and federal endangered species laws and are known to haul out on Manana to rest.  Large prominent signs are posted on the island noting it is a sanctuary off-limits to visitors.

Travis Kane, 19, was observed and photographed throwing rocks at a seal on the island on January 14, 2012. [More]

Source: States cites man for harassment of monk seal, KITV, 15 June 2012.

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Leaked ‘training’ video sparks anger

A leaked video purporting to show conservationists administering human contact “aversion therapy” to rehabilitated monk seal Badem, has sparked anger and indignation among academics and the general public both in Turkey and abroad.

The video, reportedly dated 3 April 2008, appears to show Badem’s carers hitting the seal repeatedly with a stick in what is assumed to be an effort to instil in the animal a reluctance to approach and interact with humans. TMG has requested clarification from the organisation responsible, the Mediterranean Seal Research Group (AFAG), and hopes to publish its response in due course.

The famous monk seal orphan has been in and out of captivity repeatedly due to her increasingly boisterous — and at times, dangerous — interactions with summer bathers.

The leaked video has appeared in major Turkish media outlets, including Milliyet and CNNTurk.

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Fishermen oppose extra protections for Hawaiian monk seals

Media Watch, Honolulu Civil Beat, 11 August 2011

Hawaiian monk seals and local fishermen haven’t been getting along very well. And fishermen aren’t happy about a proposal to extend a conservation zone around the main Hawaiian islands to further protect the endangered species.

This was the message conveyed to representatives of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration throughout two hours of heated testimony on Thursday at Ala Moana Beach Park.

More than 60 people turned out for the public hearing to discuss the proposal that would expand the critical habitat area for the seals, which have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1976. It is illegal to harass or kill the seals. […]

But the plight of the monk seal hasn’t swayed many fishermen, if the testimony at the public hearing is any indication.

“They’re more of a nuisance than anything else right now,” said Brandon Hu. “I fish a lot at night. One of those seals started hiding under my boat. It takes fish from my lines, then my partner’s line. We’re losing fish left and right. We moved three miles down the coast. The monk seal started following us. They are already trained to be looking for our boats for a free handout.”

While only 153 monk seals are believed to be trolling the waters around the main Hawaiian islands, fishermen complained about the economic effects the seals were having on their fishing operations and their concern about the population growing. […]

Source: Fishermen oppose extra protections for Hawaiian monk seals, Honolulu Civil Beat, 11 August 2011

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Teenager fined $100 for slapping Hawaiian monk seal

Media Watch, Treehugger, 23 June 2011
Photo: Jared Wong / CC

Hawaiian monk seals have plenty to worry about these days, what with a sea full of hungry sharks and a long history of being hunted by humans — but now antics of rowdy teenagers has been added to that list. Last March, 19-year-old Cameron Cayaban saw one of the endangered seals and acted on a very bad idea: he ran up to the protected species and slapped it. The seal, undoubtedly confused by the offense, returned to the sea. Cameron, on the other hand, found himself in court.

Little did the seal-slapper realize that the animal had a name, and more than a few powerful friends watching out for it. There were a group of volunteer seal observers that day on Kalaeloa’s White Plains Beach, where the incident occurred, and they reported what young Cameron had done to Kermit (that’s the seal) to local military police. [Continues]

Source: Teenager to Pay $100 for Slapping, Endangered Seal, Treehugger, 23 June 2011.